UNHCR provides a trusted, respectful, and inclusive environment in which the people we serve should feel safe, heard, and empowered to speak for themselves and for others, and to take strong and visible action, as appropriate, to eliminate misconduct and/or sexual exploitation and abuse by UN workers.
Anyone who has concerns or suspicions about possible sexual misconduct, exploitation, and abuse by a UNHCR staff member, a UN staff member, or any person associated with the UN (for example, staff from a UNHCR partner NGO), regardless of their position, must report such concerns.
Below you will find information on how to proceed if you, or someone you know, is facing or has faced any type of misconduct and/or sexual exploitation and abuse by UN workers.
What is misconduct?
All United Nations staff members are subject to the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. Misconduct is defined as the failure of a staff member to comply with these rules and regulations.
Misconduct may include:
- Sexual exploitation and abuse of persons under UNHCR’s mandate; fraud (e.g., falsification of a document);
- Corruption (e.g., receiving money from refugees or other persons); theft and embezzlement (e.g., stealing equipment or money); harassment; assault, threats, or retaliation;
- Acts or behavior that would discredit UNHCR;
- Failure to comply with local laws.
What is sexual exploitation and abuse?
Our position is clear and has been reiterated on several occasions by our High Commissioner: sexual misconduct is unjustifiable and must be eradicated from UNHCR operations.
Sexual exploitation and abuse affect persons under UNHCR’s mandate.
Sexual exploitation involves the actual or attempted abuse of someone’s position of vulnerability, of the power imbalance between two people (such as a person who depends on another for survival, food rations, school books, or access to transportation or other services), or an abuse of trust for sexual purposes, including for monetary, social, or political gain by sexually exploiting others, as well as offering money, job opportunities, goods, or services in exchange for sex. It also includes trafficking and prostitution.
Sexual abuse means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. This includes sexual slavery, pornography, child abuse, and sexual assault. Any sexual activity involving minors—meaning persons under the age of 18—constitutes sexual abuse.
UNHCR is aware of the enormous difficulties faced by survivors of sexual exploitation or abuse in coming forward, and of the deep professional and personal considerations, and even fears, that may prevent them from doing so.
UNHCR strives to address these concerns by ensuring that reporting mechanisms are well-known, accessible, and trustworthy, and that victims who report sexual misconduct feel safe and protected. UNHCR follows a survivor-centered approach that places the rights and protection of victims, survivors, and those directly affected at the core of our actions. These actions include improving the reporting experience, providing better medical and psychosocial support, strengthening our policies, and developing additional protective measures for those who have experienced or witnessed such abuses.
How to report misconduct or sexual exploitation and abuse?
Reports of misconduct by a UNHCR staff member, a United Nations staff member, or any person with a contractual link to the United Nations (for example, NGO staff) can be submitted directly to UNHCR’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Strict confidentiality rules, as well as other procedural rules and safeguards, apply to investigations conducted by the Office of the Inspector General. The OIG safeguards the confidentiality of the identity of the person or entity from whom it receives a report of possible misconduct.
How to contact the OIG to report misconduct by UNHCR or associated personnel:
- Confidential fax: +41 22 739 73 80
- Confidential email: [email protected]
- In person or by mail: 94 rue de Montbrillant, CP 2500, 1211 Geneva
- Through the online complaint form: https://www.unhcr.org/igo-complaints.html Mark all mail as CONFIDENTIAL
Note: Telephone and fax numbers are not toll-free; local or long-distance charges apply.
All communication with the OIG is kept confidential.
Report fraud
Fraud committed by persons working for or with UNHCR ➡️
UNHCR does not tolerate fraud, misconduct, or sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). If you have witnessed or experienced any of these situations involving UNHCR staff, partners, or service providers, you have the right to report it to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
- By confidential email: [email protected]
- Through the online complaint form
- For more information:
- Visit the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) page
Fraud committed by refugees, asylum-seekers, or other forcibly displaced or stateless persons ➡️
If you suspect that someone receiving services or assistance from UNHCR is committing fraud — for example, by assuming someone else’s identity or exploiting others — you may report it confidentially to UNHCR through the following channels:
- a) Send an email to [email protected]
- b) Call UNHCR’s helpline: +53-7204 1512, 7204 1513, 7204 1514, and 7204 1515
We take all reports seriously and treat them confidentially. While our ability to act may vary depending on who is involved (e.g., staff, partners, external actors), we will always review your report and take appropriate measures.
Fraud committed by third parties (online scams and impersonators) ➡️
Have you received suspicious messages, calls, or offers on social media claiming to be from UNHCR or a UNHCR-funded organization?
When reporting, please provide as much information as possible, including any communications received and the details of the persons involved.
UNHCR cannot investigate fraud committed by individuals who do not work for UNHCR or its partner organizations, or who are not forcibly displaced persons; such investigations fall under the responsibility of local authorities.
However, reporting this type of fraud to UNHCR is still important, as it allows us to support you in seeking help and to alert other displaced persons about these risks.
- a) Send an email to [email protected]
- b) Call UNHCR’s helpline: +53-7204 1512, 7204 1513, 7204 1514, and 7204 1515
UNHCR services are free of charge. Stay alert and protect yourself and others from fraud.